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Introduction: Find Your Perfect Conference Keynote Speaker
This article is all about conference keynote speakers and how they can make your events truly memorable.
If you’re a company planning a big meeting, a school organizing a seminar, a non-profit looking to inspire donors, or anyone involved in putting together a conference, this list of top keynote speakers will help you find the right person for the job.
Dive in to discover the top conference keynote speakers who can inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impact.
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1. Laura Putnam
Laura Putnam is the CEO and founder of Motion Infusion, a company dedicated to improving workplace wellness. She is the author of the acclaimed book “Workplace Wellness That Works,” where she shares her innovative approach to creating healthier and more productive work environments. With a background in public health and education, Laura blends her expertise to deliver engaging and practical solutions for corporate wellness.
- Expertise: Workplace wellness, corporate culture, human resources
- Why Hire Laura: Laura’s unique combination of education and practical experience in public health makes her an excellent choice for organizations looking to improve employee well-being and productivity.
2. Amy Wilkinson
Amy Wilkinson is a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the author of “The Creator’s Code.” She is recognized for her insights into entrepreneurship and business leadership. Amy has worked with leading companies and organizations to foster innovative thinking and leadership skills among their teams.
- Expertise: Entrepreneurship, leadership, business strategy
- Why Hire Amy: Amy’s academic background and real-world experience in business leadership provide valuable insights into fostering innovation and strategic thinking within organizations.
3. Jesse Itzler
Jesse Itzler is a successful entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of Marquis Jets and Zico Coconut Water. He is also a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks and a New York Times best-selling author. Jesse’s dynamic and adventurous spirit translates into his motivational speaking, where he shares stories and lessons from his diverse career.
- Expertise: Entrepreneurship, sports business, motivational speaking
- Why Hire Jesse: Jesse’s energetic and engaging speaking style, combined with his varied experiences in business and sports, inspires audiences to push their limits and achieve their goals.
4. Alex Banayan
Alex Banayan is the youngest venture capitalist in the world and the author of “The Third Door,” a best-selling book that explores the unconventional paths to success taken by some of the world’s most successful people. Alex’s journey and insights offer a fresh perspective on achieving success and navigating career challenges.
- Expertise: Change management, peak performance, empowerment
- Why Hire Alex: Alex’s youthful perspective and his ability to distill complex ideas into actionable advice make him a relatable and motivating speaker for audiences of all ages.
5. Molly Fletcher
Molly Fletcher is one of the first female sports agents and the author of several books, including “Fearless at Work.” She has negotiated over $500 million in contracts and is known for her strategic acumen and inspirational leadership. Molly’s experience in the competitive world of sports provides valuable lessons in leadership and resilience.
- Expertise: Business strategy, inspirational leadership, sales
- Why Hire Molly: Molly’s experience in breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry offers powerful lessons in leadership, negotiation, and overcoming obstacles.
6. Leigh-Kathryn Bonner
Leigh-Kathryn Bonner is the founder and CEO of Bee Downtown, a company that installs and maintains beehives on corporate campuses to help rebuild healthy honeybee populations. She is an advocate for environmental sustainability and innovative business practices that contribute to ecological health.
- Expertise: Environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, women in business
- Why Hire Leigh-Kathryn: Her innovative approach to sustainability and her ability to merge business with environmental consciousness make her a compelling speaker for companies looking to enhance their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
7. Ukonwa Ojo
Ukonwa Ojo is the former Chief Marketing Officer of Prime Video & Amazon Studios. With a robust background in marketing and corporate strategy, Ukonwa has led major campaigns and strategic initiatives that have driven significant growth and brand recognition for top global companies.
- Expertise: Marketing, corporate strategy, brand development
- Why Hire Ukonwa: Her deep understanding of marketing dynamics and her success in building powerful brands make her an invaluable resource for companies looking to enhance their market presence.
8. Victoria Arlen
Victoria Arlen is a Paralympic gold medalist, ESPN host, and former contestant on Dancing with the Stars. Her remarkable journey from being in a vegetative state for four years to becoming a world-champion swimmer and television personality is a testament to her resilience and determination.
- Expertise: Motivational speaking, sports, overcoming adversity
- Why Hire Victoria: Victoria’s inspiring story of triumph over adversity motivates audiences to overcome their own challenges and achieve their full potential.
9. Zaretta Hammond
Zaretta Hammond is an educator and the author of “Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain.” She focuses on how educators can use neuroscience to improve teaching practices and create more inclusive classrooms. Zaretta’s work is critical for educators looking to enhance their effectiveness and foster better learning environments.
- Expertise: Education, teacher motivation, diversity and inclusion
- Why Hire Zaretta: Her expertise in culturally responsive teaching provides valuable insights for educators and institutions aiming to create inclusive and effective learning environments.
10. Dena Simmons
Dena Simmons is the founder of LiberatED and an advocate for social and emotional learning. Her work focuses on creating equitable learning environments and supporting the emotional well-being of students. Dena’s approach combines educational theory with practical strategies to foster a more inclusive and supportive educational system.
- Expertise: Social and emotional learning, educational equity, advocacy
- Why Hire Dena: Her dedication to fostering emotional well-being and equity in education makes her a powerful voice for change in educational systems.
11. John Foley
John Foley is a former lead solo pilot for the Blue Angels, a Stanford Fellow, and a bestselling author. Known as the “Gratitude Guru,” he has inspired over 1,500 organizations worldwide with his keynote speeches that focus on high performance and gratitude. John’s presentations draw from his experience as a fighter pilot, emphasizing teamwork, trust, and elite performance.
- Expertise: High performance, teamwork, leadership
- Why Hire John: His unique perspective as a former Blue Angel pilot and his emphasis on gratitude and elite performance make his talks both inspiring and practical for improving team dynamics and organizational success.
12. Phil Hansen
Phil Hansen is an internationally recognized multimedia artist and innovator known for his unique approach to creativity. After developing a career-threatening nerve damage, Phil turned his limitation into an impetus for creating art in unconventional ways. He encourages audiences to embrace their limitations to drive innovation and creativity.
- Expertise: Creativity, innovation, overcoming adversity
- Why Hire Phil: Phil’s compelling personal story and innovative approach to art and problem-solving inspire audiences to look at challenges as opportunities for creativity and growth.
13. Vanilla Ice (Rob Van Winkle)
Rob Van Winkle, better known as Vanilla Ice, has reinvented himself as a successful real estate investor and home renovator. His show, “The Vanilla Ice Project,” showcases his expertise in transforming dilapidated homes into stunning properties. Rob’s dynamic presentations cover topics from entrepreneurship to personal reinvention.
- Expertise: Real estate, entrepreneurship, personal branding
- Why Hire Vanilla Ice: His transition from music to real estate success provides a powerful narrative about the possibilities of personal reinvention and leveraging one’s brand for new ventures.
14. Bert Jacobs
Bert Jacobs is the co-founder and Chief Executive Optimist of Life is Good, a lifestyle brand dedicated to spreading positivity. Bert’s inspirational talks focus on the power of optimism and its impact on personal and professional success. He shares insights from building a business that prioritizes social good and positive messaging.
- Expertise: Positive leadership, social entrepreneurship, branding
- Why Hire Bert: His infectious optimism and real-life examples of building a successful, mission-driven brand can motivate teams to adopt a positive outlook and create meaningful work.
15. Daymond John
Daymond John is the founder and CEO of FUBU, a bestselling author, and a renowned judge on the TV show Shark Tank. His entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to business mogul offers valuable lessons in branding, marketing, and resilience. Daymond’s talks are filled with actionable advice and inspirational stories.
- Expertise: Entrepreneurship, branding, marketing
- Why Hire Daymond: His experience and insights into building successful brands from the ground up provide practical strategies and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.
16. Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Magic Johnson is a legendary NBA player turned successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. As the Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, he has built a multi-million dollar empire that includes real estate, sports teams, and entertainment ventures. Magic’s story of transition from sports to business success is highly motivational.
- Expertise: Business development, leadership, sports
- Why Hire Magic: His remarkable journey from sports legend to business mogul provides inspiring lessons on leadership, resilience, and strategic growth.
17. Zack Kass
Zack Kass is a top AI keynote speaker and futurist, formerly the Head of Go To Market for OpenAI. He is known for his insights into artificial intelligence, employee engagement, and the future of work. Zack’s talks focus on how AI can be leveraged to enhance business processes and drive innovation.
- Expertise: Artificial intelligence, employee engagement, futurism
- Why Hire Zack: His expertise in AI and practical insights into future trends make him a valuable speaker for organizations looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
18. Tan Le
Tan Le is the CEO of Emotiv, a neurotechnology company, and a pioneer in the field of brain-computer interface. Her work is at the forefront of technological innovation, focusing on how advancements in neuroscience can improve lives. Tan’s presentations delve into the future of human-machine interaction and its implications.
- Expertise: Neurotechnology, innovation, futurism
- Why Hire Tan: Her pioneering work in brain-computer interface and her vision for the future of technology provide cutting-edge insights that can inspire and inform tech-savvy audiences.
19. Matthew Luhn
Matthew Luhn is a veteran Pixar animator and storyteller who has worked on iconic films like Toy Story and Monsters Inc. He is a top keynote speaker on creativity and storytelling, helping businesses and individuals harness the power of narrative to connect with audiences and drive innovation.
- Expertise: Storytelling, creativity, animation
- Why Hire Matthew: His extensive experience in creating compelling stories at Pixar offers valuable lessons for businesses looking to leverage storytelling for branding and innovation.
20. Erik Qualman
Erik Qualman is a top motivational and technology speaker, bestselling author, and former sitting professor at Harvard and MIT’s edX labs. He is known for his expertise in digital leadership and social media. Erik’s talks focus on how to effectively harness digital tools to enhance personal and professional success.
- Expertise: Digital leadership, social media, technology
- Why Hire Erik: His deep understanding of digital trends and engaging presentation style make him a standout speaker for organizations looking to thrive in the digital age.
These speakers represent a diverse array of expertise and experiences, making them valuable additions to any event looking to inspire, educate, and motivate its audience.
What is a Conference Keynote Speaker?
A conference keynote speaker sets the tone for the entire event. They deliver the primary speech that highlights the core themes and objectives of the conference.
The Role of a Conference Keynote Speaker
A conference keynote speaker plays a crucial role in the success of an event.
- Inspire and Motivate: Keynote speakers bring fresh perspectives and motivate attendees.
- Establish a Theme: They help establish the event’s theme, making it memorable.
- Engage the Audience: Their engaging delivery keeps the audience captivated and interested.
How to Choose the Right Conference Keynote Speaker
Choosing the right keynote speaker is essential for the success of your conference.
- Identify Your Needs: Understand what you want your audience to gain from the keynote speech.
- Research Speakers: Look into the speaker’s background, expertise, and previous engagements.
- Check Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to gauge the speaker’s impact.
Benefits of Having a Keynote Speaker at Your Event
Having a keynote speaker can elevate your conference in numerous ways.
- Credibility: A renowned speaker can lend credibility and attract more attendees.
- Motivation: They can inspire and energize your audience, driving engagement and productivity.
- Networking: Their presence can facilitate networking opportunities for attendees.
How to Book a Conference Keynote Speaker the Easy Way
Booking a keynote speaker through Gotham Artists makes the process seamless and efficient.
Our extensive network of top speakers ensures you find the perfect match for your event.
Contact Gotham Artists to book a speaker and guarantee an unforgettable conference experience.
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Article last updated on June 11th, 2024.
